Former Jackrabbit Annie Williams has realized a dream this week, signing a professional contract with Deportivo Saprissa of the Primera División in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Williams is a two-time Summit League Defensive Player of the Year (2017-18) and earned United Soccer Coaches All-West Region honors in 2018. The Cottage Grove, Minnesota, native started every game in the back line in her final two years at South Dakota State, helping the defensive unit to a 0.58 goals against average in that span.

A two-time All-Summit League First Team selection, Williams spent the spring 2019 semester as a student in Costa Rica and played with Deportivo Saprissa’s club team.

“I came back from Costa Rica knowing I wanted to continue playing soccer and have spent the last six months training for this opportunity,” Williams said. “I knew if nothing came professionally for me, I’d have two degrees to do something with, but I approached each day as if soccer was my only option and I was excited this opportunity came about.

Williams’ time with the club last spring led to a conversation with Saprissa’s head coach in late December, and shortly after a contract offer arrived.

“I couldn’t think of anywhere better to start my career,” Williams said. “The team has a huge following and the fan base always wants to help us out. It’s exciting to be an environment like that.”

The defender is familiar with the Spanish language after studying in high school, college and abroad, and is looking forward to expanding her knowledge at a language institute nearby.

“I’m really excited to keep learning the language, because you can always speak better and understand more,” Williams said.

While she admits leaving her family to move 3,500 miles from home brings some uneasiness, Williams will have a familiar face along for the ride as friend and fellow American Katie Pengel (a former Santa Clara and Long Beach State student-athlete) has signed with Saprissa as well.

With plenty of unknowns on the horizon, Williams knows adversity may come, but plans to lean on her experience as a Jackrabbit to push through.

“I learned so much at South Dakota State and really came to understand how to overcome circumstances, be resilient and fight every day,” Williams said. “That mindset has helped me realize my goals and dreams.”

Deportivo Saprissa is currently first in the Primera Division standings with a 4-1-1 record. Williams joins Kayla Braffett (KIF Örebro, Sweden) as former Jackrabbits playing abroad.